‘Nigel Farage’s Reform UK must ditch misogyny and present fundamental requirements of decency’

Carol Vorderman, the former Countdown host, has called out lewd remarks made online by Robert Kenyon, who is Reform UK’s candidate for Makerfield in Greater Manchester

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Nobody should be remotely surprised by Reform UK’s response to the vile comments made about Carol Vorderman. This is a party with an increasingly hideous history of failing to properly vet the people it puts before the public. Time and again candidates have emerged with offensive remarks, racism, conspiracy theories or deeply questionable views attached to their names.

Now a senior Reform figure is effectively waving away disgusting comments aimed at a woman as little more than pub chat that accidentally became public. That tells voters plenty about the standards being welcomed by the party.

Ms Vorderman is absolutely right to call it misogyny. No woman should be subjected to such degrading remarks, let alone see them brushed aside by politicians seeking elected office.

If Nigel Farage wants people to believe Reform is ready for power, his party needs to start acting seriously, particularly towards women. That begins with basic standards of decency, respect and scrutiny over who represents it.

Betrayal of trust

The scale of Peter Murrell’s crimes represents a devastating betrayal of trust at the very top of Scottish politics. For more than a decade, money handed over by loyal SNP members and supporters was allegedly treated like a personal bank account to fund luxury goods, jewellery, cars and even a motorhome.

This was not a minor lapse in judgement. It was a calculated abuse of power carried out while Murrell sat at the heart of a party that demanded the public’s trust. Voters are entitled to feel furious.

The damage stretches far beyond one man. Public confidence in politics is already fragile and scandals like this only deepen cynicism and distrust.

First Minister John Swinney is right to call it an overwhelming betrayal. The SNP now faces a long road rebuilding the credibility shattered by Murrell’s crimes.

Keep safe in the heat

Britain has enjoyed a glorious bank holiday scorcher, with Heathrow hitting a record-breaking 33.6C in the hottest May day ever recorded.

Parks, beaches and pub gardens were packed as families made the most of the sunshine, while dogs in sunglasses and basking squirrels brought smiles across the country.

But as temperatures soar, it is vital people stay safe and look out for one another in the heat.